They were much more physical and aggressive in the tackle, the lineout and in the scrum. The first-minute try when hooker Shane Byrne broke away from a rolling maul set the pattern for the whole match.

Scotland allowed Wales to win the quick ball but Ireland had done their homework and slowed it down.

Wales were lackadaisical to say the least and naive in assuming Ireland would be equally as benevolent as Scotland had been. But Ireland fully deserved their win because they got it right on the day.

Looking ahead to the France game on Sunday, a lot will depend on which French team turn up as you never quite know what you are going to get with them.

They go from the sublime to the indifferent. In the World Cup they were the form side but did not turn up in the semi-final against England.

Apart from last years mauling in Paris, Wales have a reasonable recent record against the French. The victory in 2001 in the Stade de France springs to mind and we gave them a decent game in a narrow defeat in Cardiff two years ago.

Having Colin Charvis back after his finger injury is a big plus. His presence was sorely missed against Ireland and, although he has come in for some criticism for his demeanour, we missed his physicality and need him back. His confrontational style will be crucial in the battle with Serge Betsen.

Steve Hansen has gone for a safe bet in playing Mark Taylor at centre and, despite having dropped Olivier Magne, France have a big powerful side and Wales will have to be mentally prepared for the challenge.

We must tighten up the defence and not defend against France as we did against Ireland. When we beat them in Paris we went after them. We need to take the battle to them up front and keep it tight in the scrum.